Stacy Georges Literary Review The Jeffrey Bones Mysteries Series by David A. Adler
If a mystery needs to be solved, Detective Jeffrey Bones will crack the case! Penning over two hundred (yes, hundred!) books, David A. Adler has made quite an impact in the world of Viking easy-readers with the Jeffrey Bones Mysteries Series. With less than seven words per line, this chapter book series’ enticing illustrations and captivating mysteries make reading accessible (reading level 2.2) to those who usually cower in intimidation. It is sure to encourage new and learning readers to pick up a book and read (and actually enjoy it!). Yes, a real, tactile book you can physically turn the pages of and smell that book-like smell in… not an electronic version (though it’s probably available these days). Originally a mathematics and history teacher, Adler turned to writing professionally around the time of his first child’s birth (Adler, 2011). He is possibly most famous for his “Cam Jansen” and “Young Cam Jansen” series, which was first published in 1980 and is still going strong with a new installment being released in 2010 (Adler, 2011). In fact, Adler published six books in 2010, ranging from easy-reader to biography. His repertoire includes historical fiction, picture book biographies, easy reader mysteries, fiction, picture books, and multiple series (Adler, n.d.). He gets inspiration from old classmates, family members and his imagination (Adler, n.d.). The diversity of his published work is absolutely astounding and inspiring. In reading the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth books of this series (Oh no… Detective Bones, where is the second book?), I became quite acquainted with Jeffrey Bones and his unique detective-ness. In each case, I was never expecting the ending that occurred. His logic made sense and even impressed me, a 19-year-old college student. Apparently I would be a terrible detective. Jeffrey Bones would not hesitate to tell you that he is a great detective, however. Four out of these five books began with his mini-speech stating he’s a detective and he solves mysteries by finding clues. The series, intended for five to eight year olds, does not necessarily require chronological succession as each book has its own plot. They do not rely on previous knowledge of Jeffrey Bones to acquire full understanding and enjoyment. The miniature chapters fly by and leave readers salivating for more, wanting to find out what happens next. Readers aren’t intimidated with monstrous, grueling chapters because there are no monstrous, grueling chapters to fear – only feasible sections. The sentences within each chapter are short; collectively, they lead the reader to the end of the book before they even realize they are reading. Young people learning to read are overcome with pride when they accomplish their first chapter book (which, as we all remember, was a momentous day in our reading careers!). Surprisingly, there truly are clues in the text, just as the front cover flap says. As I was reading, I was about as curious as any child would be. “Where did the bus go?” “What happened to the cupcake?” “Where did the math test disappear to?” I needed to keep reading to find out the answers! The composition of this series’ illustrations brilliantly and purposefully places aspects of the scene. After I had finished reading, I went back and looked for the clues. Sure enough, each time, there it was... the clue that would have told me how Bones was going to solve the mystery. But alas, I had not paid enough attention to the details in the illustrations. If I had paid more attention to the illustrations, I might have solved the mystery before Bones. This series is great for encouraging young readers to focus on the illustrations and examine why they look the way they do and what purpose they serve. Barbara Johansen Newman is the craftswoman behind the colorful, modern illustrations of this series. Also an illustrator for Michelle Torey, Newman has been an artist her whole life. She spent most of her life with her four grandparents, which could explain her beautifully honest representation of the meaningful relationship between Bones and Grandpa (Johansen Newman, 2009). Her cartoon representations portray a sense of playfulness and the color palette also inspires a spunky mood. Bones and the Big Yellow Mystery is the first book in this series by Alder. Our protagonist, a freckle-faced youngster known to his acquaintances as Bones, heads to the shopping mall wearing a sea-form green Hawaiian shirt with matching sea-form green squiggles on his blue pants. Accompanying him is his adorable grandfather, equally adorned in the latest fashion of polka dots and plaid. Unsurprisingly, Bones decides he is going to solve a mystery before he even knows there is a mystery to solve. Basic mystery-solving skills are discussed with Bones’ detective bag and tools. After befriending a shaggy dog named Curly, Bones intuitively helps the frazzled school bus driver, Mr. Green (who is wearing all green and looking rather garbage man-ish), locate his big yellow bus. Thank God for Bones. Herein lays the beginning of Bones’ apparent egotism as he responds to Mr. Green’s “I need you” with a “Sure you do… Everyone needs Bones”. After solving the mystery with, strangely, much help from Curly, Bones is delighted to discover a new friend accompanying grandpa home: the four-legged detective dog himself. Looking past the mismatching clothing and corny jokes from Grandpa (which we all know and love), in the end, you can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment for Jeffrey Bones.
Bones and the Cupcake Mystery, the third book of the Bones series, brings Mr. Green back for the first page. “I’m Jeffrey Bones. I’m a detective. I solve mysteries” (Adler, 2005). After referring to the time he helped Mr. Green find his big yellow bus, Bones then introduces a new character in Bones’ life: Not-Me Amy. Not-Me Amy, who does indeed live up to her name by frequently saying “Not me”, makes an appearance in Bones and the Math Test Mystery as well. The boy-girl friendship is refreshing to see, though they critique each other’s lunches (which should be expected). Not-Me Amy loses her spinach noodle cupcake and what usually requires fancy detective tools on Bones’ part turns out to be a mix-up in the midst of the morning scramble. Spinach noodle? Appetite loss, anyone? Spinach, noodles and cupcake in the same dessert? After an incorrect explanation to the misplacement, Bones’ second proposal turns out to be the solution. The extravagantly colorful characters in this story are eye-catching and correspond wonderfully with the plot. The illustrations have many details, but there isn’t too much going on. The reader is aided with imagery of the scenery. There are no harsh lines of colors, just quirky patterns and basic shapes. The white background really makes the illustration rocket to the foreground as if it was 3-Dimensional. With corny jokes misunderstood by kitchen cooks and an almost spinach-noodle-cupcake-travesty (which actually turns out to be quite tasty), how could you not appreciate this mystery? Grandpa and Bones are once again on an outing when Bones encounters bones of a different sort at their local science museum. Book four, Bones and the Dinosaur Mystery begins with “Hello, dinosaur bones. I’m Bones too. I’m Detective Jeffrey Bones. I solve mysteries” (Adler, 2005). Grandpa’s friend Sally makes her first appearance in this book, re-entering in book five. Including the seemingly romantic relationship of Grandpa and Sally, who openly talk about their own, separate grandkids, seems unnecessary; the two love birds illustrated with their arms linked is a little too cozy for my comfortable liking. Upon stopping at the gift shop, Grandpa purchases a little blue dinosaur for Jeffrey, which ends up missing. A mystery is born. Once again decked out in non-coordinating patterns, the whole gang focuses their attention on finding this little blue T-Rex. Using his handy-dandy walkie-talkies, they divide and conquer. Focused on finding T-Rex, Bones doesn’t display very good manners when he asks a girl if she stole his dinosaur toy. Grandpa tries telling him that he was being rude. Adler incorporates hidden curriculum, such as this, throughout the series; readers learn proper manners in this case. Dynamic characters are introduced, adding to the character list but improving the illustrations, sporting the same wacky patterns as the rest of the group. While Sally and Grandpa seemed to want to spread the message that anything lost can always be replaced with a new item, Bones was determined to find T-Rex. Happy with this decision, I was rooting for Bones to once again solve this mystery. Surprise, surprise – he did! A painting of the food chain sparked an idea which inevitably located his blue dinosaur. “You helped me prove that I’m still a great detective,” Bones remarked to Sally. To T-Rex he asked, “Have you ever met a better detective than the great Jeffrey Bones?” This made me think that Bones’ attitude was a little too pompous for me. I don’t agree with the message this sends to readers, though I believe confidence is beneficial in moderation. An “I’m the best” attitude will only get you so far, my dear Bones, though your plastic dinosaur is rather adorable and your detective skills are impressive. Bones and the Birthday Mystery, book five, takes a while to get started. Since it is book five of the series, I was surprised it took thirteen pages before Bones had a mystery to solve. I figured the mysteries would appear right away as the series continued. In this story, our favorite detective is decked out in two different patterns of lime green, blue and turquoise (obviously he received his stylish taste from his father, who is wearing a flamboyant yellow paisley pattern on a sea foam green shirt). Grandpa’s shirt is surprisingly toned down. Since Bones spends most of his time with Grandpa, we haven’t seen his parents until this book. Mr. Bones looks exactly (and I mean exactly!) like Jeffrey, only taller and sans-freckles. Mrs. Bones sports a high half-ponytail and could pass for an eleven-year-old (lucky her!). The debut appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Bones brings something new and exciting as Bones solves the mystery of Grandpa’s missing birthday card. Grandpa and Sally seem to spend the most time with Jeffrey, which is unusual for a children’s story. I like the message it sends, though. It seems like most kids these days only see their grandparents on holidays or special occasions (when they’re getting spoiled rotten). I’d like to see more genuine relationships like Bones and Grandpa’s. Strangely, Grandpa’s birthday present from Mr. and Mrs. Bones is an outing for the three musketeers: him, Sally and Bones. Part of me wishes the parents could tag along too! The whole family would have fun in their fashionable, multi-patterned apparel. Newman has once again adorned these pages with happy, spirit-lifting fun that accompanies the story perfectly. The illustrations once again seem to have just the right amount of detail. The picture itself looks simple, but there is a lot for kids to interpret in each picture – like clues, for example. I completely missed the obvious clue in this story. In retrospect, it’s an obvious solution, but I still didn’t know the answer to this mystery ahead of time. Bones once more shares a lesson in being prepared: “I took my detective bag. I always take it. A good detective must always be ready to solve a mystery” (Adler, 2007, pg 12). This message is great for young children, though it may lead to an endearing, convincing request for their very own detective kit. Finally, Bones and the Math Test Mystery starts out as all Bones books should, in my humble opinion: “My name is Bones, Jeffrey Bones. I am a detective. I solve mysteries” (Adler, 2008). As we have all experienced once or twice in our lives, Bones’ friendly teacher, Mr. Gale, misplaces Bones’ math test. Adler himself has probably experienced this from the teacher’s point of view. Perhaps he portrayed aspects of himself in Mr. Gale’s character. Bones’ strategy for solving this mystery once again took me by surprise. I was appreciative of the math lessons Adler incorporated, intentionally or not. It’s always hard to be the last one to turn a test in, but it’s more important to take your time and provide the correct solution than be the first one done; this book truthfully suggests that is okay. However, the reasoning behind some of Bones’ decisions worried me. He strongly desires the same praise as everyone else. Just because everyone else had ‘Excellent!’ written on the top of their test doesn’t mean Bones had to as well. That’s not a good reason to strive for an ‘Excellent!’ on tests. You should want to do well and learn, not merely get ‘excellent’ on top of your paper so you fit in with the rest of the students in your class. Is this book teaching kids to conform? The positive rapport between Bones and Mr. Gale is portrayed through their friendly banter and interactions, such as when Bones locates and retrieves Mr. Gale’s glasses from his head. This book has a usable theme throughout and complementary illustrations to accompany. Not-Me Amy’s curly red hair is charming and Mr. Gale’s extravagant purple and pink tie fits perfectly with Bones’ attire. In this story, Bones sports a cotton-candy-ice-cream-with-sprinkles look-a-like (in the form of a shirt, of course). The texture in his hair, as always, adds to the picture’s modernity. His rosy cheeks and maple syrup eyes are endearing and portray him as the inquisitive youngster I have learned he truly is. Though Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew may seem ancient to kids in this generation (dating back to 1887 and 1930, respectively), Bones has more in common with them than meets the eye. Detective Jeffrey Bones may not be as experienced as Sherlock or Nancy, but his determination, confidence and persistence continually prove successful in his hunt to solve mysteries. One day he just may catch up to their fame. These three curious detectives would be a great platform for a lesson plan on the mystery genre. Bones is a great jumpstart to a topic that may appeal to the investigative students in your classroom. After all, he never goes anywhere without his detective bag (because he’s a good detective and good detectives never do!) and I’m sure we all know some children who have similar habits with their favorite item. Each and every book in this series provides a positive experience for parents and children alike; it is meant to be read aloud, after all, while helping beginning readers blossom. I recommend you sit down with a young child and help them learn to read while solving the mysteries with Bones, Jeffrey Bones. He finds clues. He solves mysteries. And you can too!
References: Adler, D. A. (2004).Bones and the big yellow mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Adler, D. A. (2005).Bones and the cupcake mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Adler, D. A. (2005).Bones and the dinosaur mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Adler, D. A. (2007).Bones and the birthday mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Adler, D. A. (2008).Bones and the math test mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Adler, D. A. (n.d.). Biography. InDavid A. Adler. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://www.davidaadler.com/bio.htm David A. Adler (2011). InAnswer.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011, from http://www.answers.com/topic/david-a-adler Johansen Newman, B. (2009). Ten Things I Can Tell You About Myself . InJohansen Newman. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://johansennewman.com/about.php Nancy Drew (2011). InWikipedia. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Drew Sherlock Holmes (2011). InWikipedia. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_Holmes Teaching Mysteries (1996). InMysteryNet.com. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://www.mysterynet.com/learn/teaching-mystery-genre.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Literary Review on the Amelia Bedelia Series
Overall the Amelia Bedelia series can be considered good children’s literature. There is an emotional attachment to Amelia Bedelia that is created throughout the series. Her mistakes and honest misunderstandings evoke emotion and compassion from readers. Readers are excited to see Amelia Bedelia learn new things. The illustrations help verify what is happening in the story and make it clear to the readers how Amelia Bedelia makes her mistakes. There are different themes to the stories and all of them can encourage discussion to be held after readings. The only negative aspects of the series would be the misrepresentation of housekeepers or maids and also stereotypical gender roles. This is an issue that can be discussed with children so that stereotypes can be broken. Peggy Parish created the Amelia Bedelia series in 1963. After Peggy passed away her son Herman Parrish took over the series. The first book, titled Amelia Bedelia introduced readers into the world of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and their newly hired housekeeper, Amelia Bedelia. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers leave for the day, giving their new housekeeper a long list of tasks to accomplish. Amelia Bedelia wants to please her new employers so she gets started on her jobs right away. Readers soon find out that Amelia Bedelia takes everything in a very literal way. One of her first chores is to draw the drapes when the sun comes in. Amelia Bedelia finds this odd and mentions that she isn’t great at drawing but she’s willing to try. The reader can see an illustration of Amelia Bedelia drawing a picture of the drapes on a piece of paper. It is obvious that she misunderstood what she was supposed to do. Mrs. Rogers clearly meant for her to close the drapes, which is called drawing them. Misunderstandings keep happening throughout the first book and continue throughout the series, making readers laugh and sympathize with Amelia Bedelia. This is a quality of good books, evoking emotion from the reader. The characterization of Amelia Bedelia is strong and readers grow to love her. During the story children are curious to find out what is going to happen when the Rogers come home to find the house a disaster. When they arrive home they find dusting powder all over the furniture because Amelia Bedelia thought that “dust the furniture” meant to pour dusting powder all over it. After reading the first book, children are excited to see what kind of crazy misunderstandings Amelia Bedelia has in the next books. In the story Thank You, Amelia Bedelia, Mrs. Rogers ask Amelia Bedelia to separate three eggs. Amelia thinks “I wonder why they need to be separated, they’ve been together all day and nothings happened (Parish 40). Next we see from the illustrations that Amelia Bedelia puts one egg by the clock, one egg by the stove and another on the shelf. After seeing all the misunderstandings in Amelia Bedelia and Thank You, Amelia Bedelia children can’t wait to find out what happens when Amelia Bedelia is asked to baby-sit in the story Amelia Bedelia and the baby. Amelia Bedelia doesn’t just take directions literally but anything anyone says is also thought of in a literal way. For example in the story Amelia Bedelia and the Cat, Mrs. Rogers tells Amelia that she needs to find an umbrella because it’s supposed to rain cats and dogs today. Amelia Bedelia thinks this is the best news ever because it means that she will get a free pet, a thought that is sure to make children chuckle. The Amelia Bedelia series is sure to illicit laughter several times throughout a single book. Readers laugh at her mistakes but are happy that Mr. and Mrs. Rogers accept her. English teachers could have a field day with the Amelia Bedelia books. Homonyms are the main reason why Amelia Bedelia is always making mistakes. Words that have two meanings are used and Amelia never knows what meaning to use, “the language, not the user is the culprit” (Samuels). Idioms also come up in the Amelia Bedelia series all the time so it’s a great resource for teachers to use. Clichés and sayings are used in literature, so it’s important for readers to learn what they mean. Kids know more than adults give them credit for so instead of telling them what something means, ask them, they might already know. Illustrations play a huge role in assessing the quality of a children’s book. The illustrations, by Fritz Siebel, help explain what is happening in the Amelia Bedelia story. The use of homonyms makes the pictures even more important. The author does a nice job of letting the reader know what Amelia Bedelia is thinking but the pictures help make the scenario come to life. When it came to dressing the chicken, Amelia Bedelia wondered if Mrs. Rogers preferred a girl chicken or a boy chicken. The illustration then showed that Amelia Bedelia dressed the chicken in overalls and socks and put it in a nice box for the Rogers. The illustrations help distinguish the particular use of the homonyms that Peggy Parish plays with. The illustrations are simple but effective and that is what is important. According to one website one theme for the Amelia Bedelia series is patience (Good Media, Good Kids). Amelia Bedelia is clearly different then most people. Her brain thinks in a different way then most peoples. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers learn this about Amelia Bedelia in the first book and rather than fire her they learn to adjust to her. In the story Bravo, Amelia Bedelia the conductor of the orchestra yells at Amelia telling her that she ruined the concert. He only stops yelling at her because he notices all the children applauding because they thought the performance was fantastic. This can bring up the theme of things not always working out as planned. Another theme from the series is that misunderstandings are a part of life. Sometimes directions are unclear and people are too scared or nervous to ask for clarification. Parents and teachers can let children know that misunderstandings are inevitable but that it’s always ok so ask questions. The only critical critique of the series is the misrepresentation of maids. Children need to know that Amelia Bedelia isn’t the worldwide representation of all housekeepers. Make sure that children know that maids like any other profession, are people from many different backgrounds and one quality doesn’t define all housekeepers. Once these topics are discussed stereotypes can be shattered. The Amelia Bedelia series is sure to capture the hearts of the whole family. As stated in the New York Times "No child can resist Amelia [Bedelia] and her literal trips through he minefield of the English language—and no adult can fail to notice that she's usually right when she's wrong" (HarperCollins). The emotions the reader feels for the character show true talent from the authors. Not every author makes readers fall in love with the main character, but Peggy Parrish certainly accomplished that. The teachable moments in the book whether it be about life or the English language make the book valuable to any household or classroom. The illustrations add to the overall quality of the book. All these things combined made the Amelia Bedelia series an instant classic.
Julie Mattei
Literary Review
Magic Tree House Series
The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne follows a brother and sister duo as they go on many adventures and have to over come many obstacles. These books are great for early readers like 5-7 years old. The Magic House books are great because they are a great way to transition from picture books to chapter books. They are also very adventurous and exciting to read so they might be great for readers who may not always like to read. My brother is a perfect example of this. When he was younger he hated reading until he found the Magic Tree House books. The Magic Tree House series helped my brother become a reader. I am sure he is not the only one to have this experience also. These are fun, educational books that really "hook" many kids into reading (Christian Children’s Book Review). The Magic Tree House series is great for early readers and with such a vast number of titles there is sure to be an adventure or two every reader will find interesting (Book Dads).
The story follows eight-year-old Jack and his seven-year-old sister, Annie, from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. The series begins when Jack and Annie find a tree house in the woods. The tree house is filled with many different kinds books from all different places. They soon find out that the tree house was magic. All they had to do was point to a picture in a book and wish to be there. They would then be placed right were the picture was from. Through this they traveled to many different places and traveled through time.
While traveling to many different places Jack and Annie had to go over come many obstacles such as crossing the rapid cold river, canoe down the Nile River and swimming away from a big, hammerhead shark in the ocean. Sometimes Jack and Annie would be on an important mission of some sort in which they would have to retrieve objects from the place or solve some tricky riddles. During many of their journeys they learn a lot of interest and important facts about the places, people or animals that they encounter. No matter how crazy the adventure they go on, they still at the end of the day would go back home. All they have to do is find the book about Frog Creek, Pennsylvania and wish they were there. They arrive back home and no time at all has pasted since they left. Jack and Annie get to go on these amazing adventures then get to go home and have it be like they haven’t even left at all.
The Magic Tree House series are adventurous and exciting books that are full of action but they also contain many important facts and information that can be incorporated into the schools curriculum. The Magic Tree House series is a nice way to introduce kids to many topics ranging from Dinosaurs, Ancient Greece, Outer Space, Camelot, Japan, Volcanoes, Dolphins, etc (Creative Hemispheres). While on their adventure Jack and Annie must read from the book they are at in order to find out information on what they are encountering while there. While reading they find out many important facts that help them on their adventure. These facts are not only informational to Jack and Annie but also to the readers of the books.
There are many different lessons that can be incorporate with these books. The Magic Tree House Series has a website for teachers and parents where they can go and get lessons to go with the stories. There is also a book written with many activities that can go with this series. Not only are these books a great and interesting read but they also can be very easily useful inclassroom.
Though there are over 40 Magic Tree House books in the series, I am going to specifically talk about three of them. The three that I am going to talk about is Night of the Ninjas, Afternoon on the Amazon, and Dolphins at Daybreak. I am going to use specific examples from these books to show the series strengths and weaknesses and also how they might be incorporated into the classroom. First here is an overview on the three books that will be discussed.
Night of the Ninjas is the fifth book in the Magic Tree House series. In the books leading up to this one Jack and Annie find out that the tree house belongs to Morgan le Fay. Morgan was a magical librarian from the time of King Arthur. She travels through time and space collecting books for the tree house. In the beginning of this book Jack and Annie find out that Morgan is in trouble and they need to go and help here. She leaves a note and an open book to give them guidance in helping her. The book takes them to a land filled with ninjas and samurai. The book follows as Jack and Annie try to find clues to help them find Morgan while dealing with ninjas and samurai.
Afternoon on the Amazon is the sixth book in the Magic Tree House series. Afternoon on the Amazon is a continuation from Night of the Ninjas where Jack and Annie are trying to say Morgan Le Fay. They must continue their journey to find objects that will help save Morgan. In this book they venture to the Rainforest where they encounter many animals. They end up on the Nile River where they must face its
rapid current in order to get back to land. The book follows as Jack and Annie try to find clues to continue their journey to saving Morgan while facing the many dangerous animals in the Rainforest.
Dolphins at Daybreak is the ninth book in the Magic Treehouse series. The last couple books in the series dealt with trying to save Morgan Le Fay where they ended up sa
ving her. Now Jack and Annie are on a whole new mission. Morgan Le Fay needs someone to collect books but they must be a Master Librarian. They must solve four riddles in order for them to become a Master Librarian. This book follows as Jack and Annie try and solve for the riddle. The first riddle leads then to the oceans where they find a submarine. The must escape from deadly sea creatures in order to solve the riddle and be one step closer to becoming a Master Librarian.
The Magic Tree House series had a very effective literary element. Each book has a plot, theme, setting, and characters. The plots for Night of the Ninjas and Afternoon on the Amazon are that Jack and Annie are doing everything they can in order to help Morgan. They are going to specific places and using clues in the book to get objects that will eventually help find Morgan. I think the theme of the story is very different for every book. Every book there is a specific task or reason why Jack and Annie are traveling to that certain place. So the theme is based why they are going to the place.
The setting is also very different for the Magic Tree House books. Every book Jack and Annie are traveling to a different place so every book they are dealing with a new setting. In Afternoon on the Amazon the setting is in the Rainforest while Dolphins at Daybreak the setting is in the ocean. Each Magic Tree house book has a different setting, which I think keeps the reader interested and experiencing new places.
Throughout the series we are also introduce to many characters based on where Jack and Annie travel too. Of course in every book the main characters are Jack and Annie but in every book Jack and Annie run into new characters. In Night of the Ninjas Jack and Annie run into two ninjas and meet the ninjas master. In Afternoon on the Amazon they run into many different animals that help/hinder them in there journey. There is a lot of character development throughout the stories. In the beginning of the book Jack is not as adventurous as Annie and a little more reserved. As the books carries on Jack comes more into his own and becomes a stronger character. This is especially shown in Afternoon on the Amazon. The role almost reverse as Annie is the scared and hesitant one while Jack takes more of the lead.
Imagination is a big part of the Magic Tree House series. The whole series is based on imagination and how far it can take you. The Magic Tree House series allows readers to let their imagination run wild while time virtually stops (Book Dads). Reader must use their imagination in order to follow Jack and Annie on their crazy adventures. Readers must imagine that they are with Jack and Annie while they experience all these different places and things. Using imagination can spark curiosity and the reader may want to find more about the place or topic that is being refer too.
The Magic Tree House contains the typical good vs. evil plot as well. The good vs. evil plot is really not emphasized but is experienced in the series. In Night of the Ninjas, the good characters are the ninjas who help Jack and Annie on their adventure while the samurai represent the evil while they try to stop them. In a lot of the books in the series there is that roadblock that Jack and Annie must face. In Dolphins at Daybreak, Jack and Annie must swim away from a hungry shark in order to make it back to land safely.
Although there are not many illustrations in the Magic Tree House series books, they still however play an important part to the story. They add to they story because it gives you a glance at the surroundings that Jack and Annie are experiencing. Jack and Annie travel to many different places so it helps the reader to have that idea of what the place that Jack and Annie are at so they can experience it too. The illustrations also show the roadblocks that Jack and Annie are experiencing. In Dolphin at Daybreak, there is an illustration of Jack and Annie in the submarine with the shark and octopus surround them. You get to experience how Jack and Annie must be feeling because you can see it on their faces. I think the illustrations play a major role in the story cause they give the reader a visual for their imagination.
As much as I love the Magic Tree House series there are some things that I question in the series. The series does not represent a very good multicultural aspect to it. The characters are the typical white boy and girl. Jack plays the stereotypical “geek” as he wears glasses and is constantly writing down facts and second-guessing his sister. Although Jack and Annie travel to many different places of the word and learn about those places I feel that the story still lacks the multicultural view because you really are not given a different perspective of other people views or cultures. The books are also not good for read aloud in the classroom. “The dialogue exchanges between the characters, do not lend themselves well to being read out loud (Creative Hemisphere).”
Although the series may lack the multicultural and read aloud aspect, the series is still a wonderful tool for learning. In every book there are facts about the place they are at. As they adventure in different places they are give random facts about the place to help them in their adventure. An example from Dolphin at Daybreak is “Scientists who study the ocean are called oceanographers. Sometimes they travel in small diving vessels called submersibles to study the ocean floor. ” I think this is a great aspect of the series. Not only are they reading but they are learning too. Some of these books would be a great to introduce certain topics to student. They are not only learning historical facts but also facts about nature. The books teach history and natural science in a fun way (Christian Children’s Book Reviews). The great thing about this also is that there are many teaching guides and worksheet available to go with the reading. The topics also range from a wide variety, which is good cause it keeps readers interested and not getting bored with the same old stuff. Learning about topics in these books may even push students to find more information about a certain topic and will expand their learning. These books offer more in depth, nonfiction coverage of the subjects to help students extend their knowledge on particular topics (Associated Content). The Magic Tree House books are great for learning not only in the classroom but outside as well.
The Magic Tree House series is just a great series of books for younger readers. Mary Pope Osborne does a great job at making these books perfect for developing readers as they transition from picture books to chapters. The books are shorter than normal chapter books, which help keeps students attention. “Books, at their best, invite children to use their imaginations, expand their vocabularies and gain a better understanding of themselves and others (Assessing Children’s Literature).” I feel like the Magic Tree House series does fulfill these aspects of what makes a good children’s book.
“Book Review: Magic Tree House Series." Book Dads. N.p., 4 Nov. 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2011.
"Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series Review." Creative Hemispheres. N.p., 5 Dec. 2010. Web. 18 Feb. 2011.
"Magic Tree House Series." Christian Children's Book Reviews. N.p., 22 May 2010. Web. 18 Feb. 2011.
Tomlinson, Virginia. "Children's Book Reviews: Magic Tree House Series." Associative Content. Yahoo! Contributor Network, 5 Feb. 2007. Web. 20 Feb. 2011.
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Illustrated Children’s Books by Eric Carle By Jennifer Birman
Eric Carle is the creator of some of the most loved children’s books. He has illustrated more than 70 books and more than 90 million copies of his books have been sold around the world. His most well known book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar which has sold over 30 million copies and has been translated into more than 45 languages.(The Official Eric Carle Website) Carle’s illustrations are easily recognizable; he uses a collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and lays to for bright and cheerful images. There is also an added dimension to his books such as twinkling lights in The Very Lonely Firefly and the sound of a cricket in The Very Quiet Cricket. His books often revolve around nature and there are often underlying themes. For example, in each story of the Very quartet there is an underlying theme of hope, work, love, and belonging. For this review I will be reviewing the Very quartet as well as the book The Grouchy Ladybug.
I will start with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Personally, this is one of my favorite books that I love to read even though I’m 20 years old. The story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar has many different themes. For instance it emphasizes numbers and days of the week while also teaching children the life cycle of a caterpillar. There is also an underlying theme of hope, your children like the little caterpillar will grow up unfold their wings and fly off into the future. The caterpillar comes out of his egg on Sunday and eats holes through the book’s pages as he eats the various foods. The caterpillar in this story has unusual tastes in food such as chocolate cake, a pickle, salami, watermelon etc which delights children. The caterpillar develops a stomach ache but feels better after eating a green leaf. He then builds a cocoon and stays in it for two weeks. He nibbles a hole in the cocoon and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. The artwork is Carle’s signature collage technique and the pages of the book vary in size which adds to the fun. Every page has a hole in it where the caterpillar eats through the food and the pages for the first five days are different sizes corresponding with the number of pieces of food the caterpillar eats. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has become a classic; it is a book that your children will love.
The next book in the Very quartet is The Very Busy Spider. This book emphasizes animals and their respective sounds. The underlying theme of The Very Busy Spider is work, it teaches children that we need to work and finish our tasks despite the many distractions. In the book the wind blows a spider to a fence post, where she begins to spin her web. Throughout the day, various farm animals stop to invite the spider to play with them but she is too busy to reply, she needs to finish her web or there will be no dinner. The spider finishes her web and catches the fly which you might think would cause a pause but it flows into the next animal easily. If you pay attention you will see the fly is on every page of the book from the beginning. The art work is Carle’s collage technique using vivid colors and varied textures. The child can see and feel the spider webs progress. The spider web is actually a raised line of thin plastic that can be felt when you trace it with a finger. This adds another dimension to the art work in the book. This book is an easy read that children can find joy in by making the sounds of the farm animals and tracing the progress of the spider web. The Very Busy Spider is a good book to use when you want to teach your children about hard work and completing a task.
The third book in the Very quartet is The Very Quiet Cricket. Similar to The Very Busy Spider the book emphasizes various insects and their respective sounds. The underlying theme of The Very Quiet Cricket is love; it teaches children that crickets and people alike search for and hope to find a suitable mate. This story begins with a little cricket hatching from an egg, over the course of the day many insects greet the newborn cricket. Yet, every time he tries to return their greeting, he is silent. At the end of the day he meets a female cricket, and at last he can speak. Each of the insects that visit the cricket uses a greeting that is characteristic of its kind, such as chirp,whizz, hum, and buzz. The art work is vivid and the impressions of flora and fauna convey energy and immediacy. There is a surprise at the end of the book were a microchip in the last page mimics the sound of a cricket’s chirp. This surprise can be a curse or a blessing depending on your viewpoint (child or parent/teacher).
The last book in the Very quartet is The Very Lonely Firefly. The underlying theme of this book is belonging; it teaches children that we all want to belong to a group, a family, and our own fellow creatures. One day a little firefly is born and he sets out on a journey to find others just like him. He uses his light to search around for other fireflies. Every time he sees a light, he investigates to see if it is another firefly. First he finds a light bulb, then a candle, then a flashlight and he keeps following these different light sources. On each page the firefly is following the lights but the story itself shows siblings hearing animals fighting outside their window and they investigate. The children end up in the family car and head off with their parents to a fireworks show. The firefly keeps following this family’s lights in the hopes of finding his own lights. In the dead of night, he finds his fireflies. The art work is the signature collage work vivid and textural. The background colors convey that it is night but the animals and family are lighter and the light sources are the lightest colors. The Very Lonely Firefly is a story that conveys how we all long to belong to a group, a family, and our own fellow creatures in an imaginative and beautiful way. Another of Eric Carle’s books is The Grouchy Ladybug. This story has many themes in it. As a book about telling time, the Grouchy Ladybug shows a traditional clock on each page, showing the time of day using the second hand and hour hand. The sun is in a different position in each picture, so that readers can view the relative position of the sun during each time of day depicted. As a book about bullies, the Grouchy Ladybug’s title character is depicted as a miniature tyrant, whose actions appear more and more ridiculous as the animals the ladybug approaches become larger and larger. Since it is not the sole theme of the book it does not address how to deal with more dangerous or aggressive behavior. It would be a good touchstone for older children to discuss bullying. For younger children it shows that people who are mean and belligerent don’t get what they want. This book also shows size comparisons, showing animals getting larger, larger, and larger. There was a very grouchy ladybug, who, despite its role as one of the cutest insects in the animal kingdom, is quite a ridiculous bully. At 5:00 in the morning, the grouchy ladybug happens on a leaf loaded full of aphids, and decides to pick a fight with the friendly ladybug who is willing to share. "Want to fight?" the grouchy ladybug screams, to which the friendly ladybug says, "If you insist." The grouchy ladybug doesn't expect to have someone stand up to it, and it flies off to find someone bigger to antagonize. At 6:00 a.m., the ladybug encounters a yellow jacket, at 7:00 a.m. a stag beetle, and so on, with larger and larger animals each time. At 5:00 p.m., the grouchy ladybug meets a whale, and attempts to engage it in a fight. Getting no response, grouchy ladybug tries to pick on the whale's flippers, fin, and tail, until at 5:45 the grouchy ladybug is slapped all the way back to land. Tired and hungry, the grouchy ladybug flies home to the aphid-covered leaf, where the friendly ladybug kindly offers the rest of the aphids for dinner. The artwork is Carle’s signature design using vivid colors but they do not overwhelm the page. This book would be great to use when teaching children about time or to use as a point of discussion about bullying.
With his distinctive illustrations and creative stories Eric Carle has created many wonderful books. These books often revolve around nature and have underlying themes that teach children about the world around them. The themes are often subtle but are heartwarming none the less. I would suggest these books to any parent, teacher, or anyone who wants to read a good book.
Kennedy, Elizabeth. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - Eric Carle Author and Illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Picture Book." Children's Books - Reviews Articles Lists of Best Children's Books. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://childrensbooks.about.com/cs/productreviews/fr/caterpillar.htm>.
"The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle Children's Book Review and Preschool Lesson Plan." HubPages. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://hubpages.com/hub/Grouchy-Ladybug>.
Melissa Bergman Book Review ENG 302 Professor Masko February 24, 2011 Skippyjon Jones Judy Schachner is the author of the top selling bilingual book series Skippyjon Jones. The first book of the series, Skippyjon Jones was published in 2003 and the last book of the series, Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice was published in 2009. As of February 2011 the Skippyjon Jones series has been awarded the E.B White Read Aloud Award in 2004 by the Association of Book Sellers for Children. It was also awarded for State Reading awards in Washington and New Hampshire. Skippyjon Jones is an engaging read aloud book series with artistic illustrations but presents some issues in the content across the series. Skippyjon Jones is an imaginative, Siamese cat with an identity crisis in which he believes that he is a Chihuahua. In every Skippyjon Jones book of the series Skippyjon embarks on an adventure that begins with him jumping on his “big boy bed”, taking flight past his mirror where he recognizes his resemblance to a Chihuahua, not a Siamese cat. Followed by this repeated discovery he then continues his adventure into his closet where he meets up with his friends, Chimichangos. Each adventure peaks with Skippyjon getting into sticky situations in wide range of settings, from Egypt to Mexico. This variety of settings is a quality of children’s literature according to article titled, “Assessing Children’s Literature.” Momma Junebug Jones, the mother of Skippyjon Jones is a strong woman with the concern for her son’s confusion with his identity. Momma Junebug Jones is very concerned for her son and far from excepting of the fascination Skippyjon has with pretending he is a dog. She is very clear with Skippyjon that he needs some time to think about being a cat rather than a dog.
The Chimichangos, who were mentioned earlier as the friends of Skippyjon, are your stereotypical Spanish speaking Chihuahuas. They tend to think and eat a lot of ethnic food from Mexico and even followed it with a siesta which is Spanish for nap, in Skippyjon Jones. The name Chimichangos, is a close resemblance to the word chimichanga, which is a deep fried burrito. This name resemblance could possibly lead to Latino readers and listeners not feeling comfortable or feeling offended. These feeling could be apparent because of a sense of mockery towards their culture. Schachner writes the Skippyjon Jones series using both English and Spanish. The majority of the words in the book are however written in English. There are also some words that are used that are English but spelled incorrectly in order to key the reader to the pronunciation of the Spanish accent. This again could lead to Latinos feeling offended or uncomfortable during the reading of any of the books from the series, as this pronunciation that is recommended is stereotypic. In Lost in Spice Schachner uses the craft of including the Spanish word and then following the word up with the English word to clarify the meaning for the readers. She also repeats many of the Spanish vocabulary across the series with words such as muy, ojo and sí. While at times this technique could be helpful to readers who are not bilingual, it is many times than not helpful and the word choice could lead to the meaning being lost in the text. “While in English the diminutive is a preamble (little dog, little house), in Spanish the diminutive is a caboose attached to the end of nouns (perrito, casita), and Schachner takes full advantage of this with high-energy rhymes, Spanish or invented” (Griswold). This technique in which Schachner plays with the words creates words and phrases that may be hard to pronounce or read even for the most experienced reader. Take the statement from the Chimichangos in Skippyjon Jones and the BIG BONES, “We are toasting los marshmallocitos prehistóricos.” This statement is hard to pronounce for a person who is not bilingual, and do it justice. The play on Spanish vocabulary again gives a sense of mockery and disrespect towards Latinos and their culture. Throughout the series Schachner uses rhyming as a technique in her writing. Along with the rhymes Schachner adds clapping to enhance the enjoyment when read aloud. Also, many phrases become repeated throughout the series such as, “Oh, I am Skippyjon Jones,” “My name is Skippito Friskito” and some slight rendition of “Your ears are too big for you head, your head is too big for your body, you are not a Siamese Cat.” This predictability enhanced the read aloud experience for young readers. This allows for a positive experience that gives children who are just learning to read a chance to get involved in literacy. Schachner was not only responsible for the writing of the book but also the illustrations. The series’ illustrations are full of vibrant colors that span across the rainbow. The lines in the illustrations of the series are mixtures of both vertical and curved lines. The mixture draws the reader’s eyes into the exciting action of the illustrations that add to the action of the story. The vertical lines then add to the description of the settings. For example, in Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble, an illustration is created for the arrival of Skippyjon and his friends to Egypt. The illustration depicts a sphinx. The combination of vertical, horizontal and curved lines create a accurate depiction of an ancient sphinx. The illustrations incorporate the use of both bold and wispy brush strokes. The wispy brush strokes are often used by Schachner to show the motion in the story. This type of art is shown in the books, particularly in the images showing Skippyjon jumping on his “big boy bed.” The illustrations include shadows and objects that appear in the background of the pictures. The composition of the illustrations uses shadows to add to setting of story. This type of technique in the illustrations is very well done in the picture showing Mexico’s desert and a fiesta held outside, in Skippyjon Jones. The pictures show both the up close action and the setting in the background with the shadows created by the sunset. In every book of the series Schachner uses a photograph of a Chihuahua, which is placed in the mirror image of Skippyjon Jones, which is different from every other medium used in series. This technique sets the image apart from the others to point out the importance of this in the plot. The illustrations give readers and listeners a clear, vivid image of the words in the stories and very well done by Schachner. Young readers can easily connect to the childish behaviors of Skippyjon Jones. An individual with a vivid imagination that can turn anything into what it was really created for. Take for example the snow suet that is transformed into a space suit and the spice that was made in dust from Mars in Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice. The texts to self connections made are great for children but could also be problematic. Just as mentioned earlier the text could cause students of Latino culture to feel mocked or disrespected by the stereotypic pronunciation and word choice. For children who are not Latino these stereotypes presented may only solidify what they are being taught at home and through other interactions in society. My overall opinion of the book series, Skippyjon Jones is that the series should be used with caution. The series does not provide a stereotype free representation of the Latino culture. Niki Schoenfeldt, agrees by saying, the poor attempt at a Mexican accent, changing from prose to verse and back again is confusing, not to mention a bit insulting to the Mexican culture” (Schoenfeldt, 2009). This fact presents an issue because a characteristic that is provided by “Assessing Children’s Literature” is stories need to promote an understanding of our diverse society. The Skippyjon Jones series lacks this by providing stereotypical dialect and habits as well as changing and using the Spanish words out of context. Such as in Skippyjon Jones “Schachner’s “Ay caramba” became “I caramba” and “Hai caramba” (Griswold, 2008). The series does no justice in improving the misconceptions and stereotypic believes held by others who are not Latino. Through the use of the vocabulary it also presents opportunities for children to lack understanding because the vocabulary used is not simple. This issue could arise with any reader who is not bilingual. The use of simple vocabulary is a trait of “good book” (Jacobs, Tunnell, 1996). Dispite the hiccups with some of the writing the illustrations are very well done. The illustrations aspect is well summed up by Jerry Griswold. Griswold said “the playfulness of Schachner’s stories is echoed in her artistic style — dynamic and comic sketches, a wide palette of lively colors in acrylic and pen and ink, and an alphabetical mélange of handwritten and printed letters (the new book, like several of the others, also comes with a CD of Schachner reading the stories).” If you are looking for a good read to get student engage in literacy and take some time to read the series or listen to the books on CD. Do so with some caution by pointing out to children that not all Latinos are as presented by the Skippyjon Jones series. The illustrations will not disappoint.
Literary Review
The Jeffrey Bones Mysteries Series by David A. Adler
If a mystery needs to be solved, Detective Jeffrey Bones will crack the case! Penning over two hundred (yes, hundred!) books, David A. Adler has made quite an impact in the world of Viking easy-readers with the Jeffrey Bones Mysteries Series. With less than seven words per line, this chapter book series’ enticing illustrations and captivating mysteries make reading accessible (reading level 2.2) to those who usually cower in intimidation. It is sure to encourage new and learning readers to pick up a book and read (and actually enjoy it!). Yes, a real, tactile book you can physically turn the pages of and smell that book-like smell in… not an electronic version (though it’s probably available these days).
Originally a mathematics and history teacher, Adler turned to writing professionally around the time of his first child’s birth (Adler, 2011). He is possibly most famous for his “Cam Jansen” and “Young Cam Jansen” series, which was first published in 1980 and is still going strong with a new installment being released in 2010 (Adler, 2011). In fact, Adler published six books in 2010, ranging from easy-reader to biography. His repertoire includes historical fiction, picture book biographies, easy reader mysteries, fiction, picture books, and multiple series (Adler, n.d.). He gets inspiration from old classmates, family members and his imagination (Adler, n.d.). The diversity of his published work is absolutely astounding and inspiring.
In reading the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth books of this series (Oh no… Detective Bones, where is the second book?), I became quite acquainted with Jeffrey Bones and his unique detective-ness. In each case, I was never expecting the ending that occurred. His logic made sense and even impressed me, a 19-year-old college student. Apparently I would be a terrible detective. Jeffrey Bones would not hesitate to tell you that he is a great detective, however. Four out of these five books began with his mini-speech stating he’s a detective and he solves mysteries by finding clues.
The series, intended for five to eight year olds, does not necessarily require chronological succession as each book has its own plot. They do not rely on previous knowledge of Jeffrey Bones to acquire full understanding and enjoyment.
The miniature chapters fly by and leave readers salivating for more, wanting to find out what happens next. Readers aren’t intimidated with monstrous, grueling chapters because there are no monstrous, grueling chapters to fear – only feasible sections. The sentences within each chapter are short; collectively, they lead the reader to the end of the book before they even realize they are reading. Young people learning to read are overcome with pride when they accomplish their first chapter book (which, as we all remember, was a momentous day in our reading careers!).
Surprisingly, there truly are clues in the text, just as the front cover flap says. As I was reading, I was about as curious as any child would be. “Where did the bus go?” “What happened to the cupcake?” “Where did the math test disappear to?” I needed to keep reading to find out the answers! The composition of this series’ illustrations brilliantly and purposefully places aspects of the scene. After I had finished reading, I went back and looked for the clues. Sure enough, each time, there it was... the clue that would have told me how Bones was going to solve the mystery. But alas, I had not paid enough attention to the details in the illustrations. If I had paid more attention to the illustrations, I might have solved the mystery before Bones. This series is great for encouraging young readers to focus on the illustrations and examine why they look the way they do and what purpose they serve.
Barbara Johansen Newman is the craftswoman behind the colorful, modern illustrations of this series. Also an illustrator for Michelle Torey, Newman has been an artist her whole life. She spent most of her life with her four grandparents, which could explain her beautifully honest representation of the meaningful relationship between Bon
Bones and the Big Yellow Mystery is the first book in this series by Alder. Our protagonist, a freckle-faced youngster known to his acquaintances as Bones, heads to the shopping mall wearing a sea-form green Hawaiian shirt with matching sea-form green squiggles on his blue pants. Accompanying him is his adorable grandfather, equally adorned in the latest fashion of polka dots and plaid.
Unsurprisingly, Bones decides he is going to solve a mystery before he even knows there is a mystery to solve. Basic mystery-solving skills are discussed with Bones’ detective bag and tools. After befriending a shaggy dog named Curly, Bones intuitively helps the frazzled school bus driver, Mr. Green (who is wearing all green and looking rather garbage man-ish), locate his big yellow bus. Thank God for Bones. Herein lays the beginning of Bones’ apparent egotism as he responds to Mr. Green’s “I need you” with a “Sure you do… Everyone needs Bones”.
After solving the mystery with, strangely, much help from Curly, Bones is delighted to discover a new friend accompanying grandpa home: the four-legged detective dog himself. Looking past the mismatching clothing and corny jokes from Grandpa (which we all know and love), in the end, you can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment for Jeffrey Bones.
Bones and the Cupcake Mystery, the third book of the Bones series, brings Mr. Green back for the first page. “I’m Jeffrey Bones. I’m a detective. I solve mysteries” (Adler, 2005). After referring to the time he helped Mr. Green find his big yellow bus, Bones then introduces a new character in Bones’ life: Not-Me Amy.
Not-Me Amy, who does indeed live up to her name by frequently saying “Not me”, makes an appearance in Bones and the Math Test Mystery as well. The boy-girl friendship is refreshing to see, though they critique each other’s lunches (which should be expected). Not-Me Amy loses her spinach noodle cupcake and what usually requires fancy detective tools on Bones’ part turns out to be a mix-up in the midst of the morning scramble. Spinach noodle? Appetite loss, anyone? Spinach, noodles and cupcake in the same dessert? After an incorrect explanation to the misplacement, Bones’ second proposal turns out to be the solution.
The extravagantly colorful characters in this story are eye-catching and correspond wonderfully with the plot. The illustrations have many details, but there isn’t too much going on. The reader is aided with imagery of the scenery. There are no harsh lines of colors, just quirky patterns and basic shapes. The white background really makes the illustration rocket to the foreground as if it was 3-Dimensional. With corny jokes misunderstood by kitchen cooks and an almost spinach-noodle-cupcake-travesty (which actually turns out to be quite tasty), how could you not appreciate this mystery?
Grandpa and Bones are once again on an outing when Bones encounters bones of a different sort at their local science museum. Book four, Bones and the Dinosaur Mystery begins with “Hello, dinosaur bones. I’m Bones too. I’m Detective Jeffrey Bones. I solve mysteries” (Adler, 2005). Grandpa’s friend Sally makes her first appearance in this book, re-entering in book five. Including the seemingly romantic relationship of Grandpa and Sally, who openly talk about their own, separate grandkids, seems unnecessary; the two love birds illustrated with their arms linked is a little too cozy for my comfortable liking.
Upon stopping at the gift shop, Grandpa purchases a little blue dinosaur for Jeffrey, which ends up missing. A mystery is born. Once again decked out in non-coordinating patterns, the whole gang focuses their attention on finding this little blue T-Rex. Using his handy-dandy walkie-talkies, they divide and conquer.
Focused on finding T-Rex, Bones doesn’t display very good manners when he asks a girl if she stole his dinosaur toy. Grandpa tries telling him that he was being rude. Adler incorporates hidden curriculum, such as this, throughout the series; readers learn proper manners in this case.
Dynamic characters are introduced, adding to the character list but improving the illustrations, sporting the same wacky patterns as the rest of the group. While Sally and Grandpa seemed to want to spread the message that anything lost can always be replaced with a new item, Bones was determined to find T-Rex. Happy with this decision, I was rooting for Bones to once again solve this mystery. Surprise, surprise – he did! A painting of the food chain sparked an idea which inevitably located his blue dinosaur. “You helped me prove that I’m still a great detective,” Bones remarked to Sally. To T-Rex he asked, “Have you ever met a better detective than the great Jeffrey Bones?” This made me think that Bones’ attitude was a little too pompous for me. I don’t agree with the message this sends to readers, though I believe confidence is beneficial in moderation. An “I’m the best” attitude will only get you so far, my dear Bones, though your plastic dinosaur is rather adorable and your detective skills are impressive.
Bones and the Birthday Mystery, book five, takes a while to get started. Since it is book five of the series, I was surprised it took thirteen pages before Bones had a mystery to solve. I figured the mysteries would appear right away as the series continued. In this story, our favorite detective is decked out in two different patterns of lime green, blue and turquoise (obviously he received his stylish taste from his father, who is wearing a flamboyant yellow paisley pattern on a sea foam green shirt). Grandpa’s shirt is surprisingly toned down. Since Bones spends most of his time with Grandpa, we haven’t seen his parents until this book. Mr. Bones looks exactly (and I mean exactly!) like Jeffrey, only taller and sans-freckles. Mrs. Bones sports a high half-ponytail and could pass for an eleven-year-old (lucky her!). The debut appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Bones brings something new and exciting as Bones solves the mystery of Grandpa’s missing birthday card.
Grandpa and Sally seem to spend the most time with Jeffrey, which is unusual for a children’s story. I like the message it sends, though. It seems like most kids these days only see their grandparents on holidays or special occasions (when they’re getting spoiled rotten). I’d like to see more genuine relationships like Bones and Grandpa’s. Strangely, Grandpa’s birthday present from Mr. and Mrs. Bones is an outing for the three musketeers: him, Sally and Bones. Part of me wishes the parents could tag along too! The whole family would have fun in their fashionable, multi-patterned apparel.
Newman has once again adorned these pages with happy, spirit-lifting fun that accompanies the story perfectly. The illustrations once again seem to have just the right amount of detail. The picture itself looks simple, but there is a lot for kids to interpret in each picture – like clues, for example. I completely missed the obvious clue in this story. In retrospect, it’s an obvious solution, but I still didn’t know the answer to this mystery ahead of time.
Bones once more shares a lesson in being prepared: “I took my detective bag. I always take it. A good detective must always be ready to solve a mystery” (Adler, 2007, pg 12). This message is great for young children, though it may lead to an endearing, convincing request for their very own detective kit.
Finally, Bones and the Math Test Mystery starts out as all Bones books should, in my humble opinion: “My name is Bones, Jeffrey Bones. I am a detective. I solve mysteries” (Adler, 2008). As we have all experienced once or twice in our lives, Bones’ friendly teacher, Mr. Gale, misplaces Bones’ math test. Adler himself has probably experienced this from the teacher’s point of view. Perhaps he portrayed aspects of himself in Mr. Gale’s character. Bones’ strategy for solving this mystery once again took me by surprise.
I was appreciative of the math lessons Adler incorporated, intentionally or not. It’s always hard to be the last one to turn a test in, but it’s more important to take your time and provide the correct solution than be the first one done; this book truthfully suggests that is okay. However, the reasoning behind some of Bones’ decisions worried me. He strongly desires the same praise as everyone else. Just because everyone else had ‘Excellent!’ written on the top of their test doesn’t mean Bones had to as well. That’s not a good reason to strive for an ‘Excellent!’ on tests. You should want to do well and learn, not merely get ‘excellent’ on top of your paper so you fit in with the rest of the students in your class. Is this book teaching kids to conform?
The positive rapport between Bones and Mr. Gale is portrayed through their friendly banter and interactions, such as when Bones locates and retrieves Mr. Gale’s glasses from his head. This book has a usable theme throughout and complementary illustrations to accompany. Not-Me Amy’s curly red hair is charming and Mr. Gale’s extravagant purple and pink tie fits perfectly with Bones’ attire. In this story, Bones sports a cotton-candy-ice-cream-with-sprinkles look-a-like (in the form of a shirt, of course). The texture in his hair, as always, adds to the picture’s modernity. His rosy cheeks and maple syrup eyes are endearing and portray him as the inquisitive youngster I have learned he truly is.
Though Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew may seem ancient to kids in this generation (dating back to 1887 and 1930, respectively), Bones has more in common with them than meets the eye. Detective Jeffrey Bones may not be as experienced as Sherlock or Nancy, but his determination, confidence and persistence continually prove successful in his hunt to solve mysteries. One day he just may catch up to their fame. These three curious detectives would be a great platform for a lesson plan on the mystery genre. Bones is a great jumpstart to a topic that may appeal to the investigative students in your classroom. After all, he never goes anywhere without his detective bag (because he’s a good detective and good detectives never do!) and I’m sure we all know some children who have similar habits with their favorite item. Each and every book in this series provides a positive experience for parents and children alike; it is meant to be read aloud, after all, while helping beginning readers blossom. I recommend you sit down with a young child and help them learn to read while solving the mysteries with Bones, Jeffrey Bones. He finds clues. He solves mysteries. And you can too!
For more information, visit:
http://www.mysterynet.com/learn/lessonplans/ for ideas regarding teaching the mystery genre.
http://www.davidaadler.com/ for author information.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ to purchase the Bones series or other David A. Adler books.
References:
Adler, D. A. (2004). Bones and the big yellow mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Adler, D. A. (2005). Bones and the cupcake mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Adler, D. A. (2005). Bones and the dinosaur mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Adler, D. A. (2007). Bones and the birthday mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Adler, D. A. (2008). Bones and the math test mystery. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Adler, D. A. (n.d.). Biography. In David A. Adler. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://www.davidaadler.com/bio.htm
David A. Adler (2011). In Answer.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011, from http://www.answers.com/topic/david-a-adler
Johansen Newman, B. (2009). Ten Things I Can Tell You About Myself . In Johansen Newman. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://johansennewman.com/about.php
Nancy Drew (2011). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Drew
Sherlock Holmes (2011). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_Holmes
Teaching Mysteries (1996). In MysteryNet.com. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://www.mysterynet.com/learn/teaching-mystery-genre.shtml
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Literary Review on the Amelia Bedelia Series
Overall the Amelia Bedelia series can be considered good children’s literature. There is an emotional attachment to Amelia Bedelia that is created throughout the series. Her mistakes and honest misunderstandings evoke emotion and compassion from readers. Readers are excited to see Amelia Bedelia learn new things. The illustrations help verify what is happening in the story and make it clear to the readers how Amelia Bedelia makes her mistakes. There are different themes to the stories and all of them can encourage discussion to be held after readings. The only negative aspects of the series would be the misrepresentation of housekeepers or maids and also stereotypical gender roles. This is an issue that can be discussed with children so that stereotypes can be broken.
Peggy Parish created the Amelia Bedelia series in 1963. After Peggy passed away her son Herman Parrish took over the series. The first book, titled Amelia Bedelia introduced readers into the world of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and their newly hired housekeeper, Amelia Bedelia. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers leave for the day, giving their new housekeeper a long list of tasks to accomplish. Amelia Bedelia wants to please her new employers so she gets started on her jobs right away. Readers soon find out that Amelia Bedelia takes everything in a very literal way. One of her first chores is to draw the drapes when the sun comes in. Amelia Bedelia finds this odd and mentions that she isn’t great at drawing but she’s willing to try. The reader can see an illustration of Amelia Bedelia drawing a picture of the drapes on a piece of paper. It is obvious that she misunderstood what she was supposed to do. Mrs. Rogers clearly meant for her to close the drapes, which is called drawing them.
Misunderstandings keep happening throughout the first book and continue throughout the series, making readers laugh and sympathize with Amelia Bedelia. This is a quality of good books, evoking emotion from the reader. The characterization of Amelia Bedelia is strong and readers grow to love her. During the story children are curious to find out what is going to happen when the Rogers come home to find the house a disaster. When they arrive home they find dusting powder all over the furniture because Amelia Bedelia thought that “dust the furniture” meant to pour dusting powder all over it. After reading the first book, children are excited to see what kind of crazy misunderstandings Amelia Bedelia has in the next books. In the story Thank You, Amelia Bedelia, Mrs. Rogers ask Amelia Bedelia to separate three eggs. Amelia thinks “I wonder why they need to be separated, they’ve been together all day and nothings happened (Parish 40). Next we see from the illustrations that Amelia Bedelia puts one egg by the clock, one egg by the stove and another on the shelf. After seeing all the misunderstandings in Amelia Bedelia and Thank You, Amelia Bedelia children can’t wait to find out what happens when Amelia Bedelia is asked to baby-sit in the story Amelia Bedelia and the baby.
Amelia Bedelia doesn’t just take directions literally but anything anyone says is also thought of in a literal way. For example in the story Amelia Bedelia and the Cat, Mrs. Rogers tells Amelia that she needs to find an umbrella because it’s supposed to rain cats and dogs today. Amelia Bedelia thinks this is the best news ever because it means that she will get a free pet, a thought that is sure to make children chuckle. The Amelia Bedelia series is sure to illicit laughter several times throughout a single book. Readers laugh at her mistakes but are happy that Mr. and Mrs. Rogers accept her.
English teachers could have a field day with the Amelia Bedelia books. Homonyms are the main reason why Amelia Bedelia is always making mistakes. Words that have two meanings are used and Amelia never knows what meaning to use, “the language, not the user is the culprit” (Samuels). Idioms also come up in the Amelia Bedelia series all the time so it’s a great resource for teachers to use. Clichés and sayings are used in literature, so it’s important for readers to learn what they mean. Kids know more than adults give them credit for so instead of telling them what something means, ask them, they might already know.
Illustrations play a huge role in assessing the quality of a children’s book. The illustrations, by Fritz Siebel, help explain what is happening in the Amelia Bedelia story. The use of homonyms makes the pictures even more important. The author does a nice job of letting the reader know what Amelia Bedelia is thinking but the pictures help make the scenario come to life. When it came to dressing the chicken, Amelia Bedelia wondered if Mrs. Rogers preferred a girl chicken or a boy chicken. The illustration then showed that Amelia Bedelia dressed the chicken in overalls and socks and put it in a nice box for the Rogers. The illustrations help distinguish the particular use of the homonyms that Peggy Parish plays with. The illustrations are simple but effective and that is what is important.
According to one website one theme for the Amelia Bedelia series is patience (Good Media, Good Kids). Amelia Bedelia is clearly different then most people. Her brain thinks in a different way then most peoples. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers learn this about Amelia Bedelia in the first book and rather than fire her they learn to adjust to her. In the story Bravo, Amelia Bedelia the conductor of the orchestra yells at Amelia telling her that she ruined the concert. He only stops yelling at her because he notices all the children applauding because they thought the performance was fantastic. This can bring up the theme of things not always working out as planned. Another theme from the series is that misunderstandings are a part of life. Sometimes directions are unclear and people are too scared or nervous to ask for clarification. Parents and teachers can let children know that misunderstandings are inevitable but that it’s always ok so ask questions.
The only critical critique of the series is the misrepresentation of maids. Children need to know that Amelia Bedelia isn’t the worldwide representation of all housekeepers. Make sure that children know that maids like any other profession, are people from many different backgrounds and one quality doesn’t define all housekeepers. Once these topics are discussed stereotypes can be shattered.
The Amelia Bedelia series is sure to capture the hearts of the whole family. As stated in the New York Times "No child can resist Amelia [Bedelia] and her literal trips through he minefield of the English language—and no adult can fail to notice that she's usually right when she's wrong" (HarperCollins). The emotions the reader feels for the character show true talent from the authors. Not every author makes readers fall in love with the main character, but Peggy Parrish certainly accomplished that. The teachable moments in the book whether it be about life or the English language make the book valuable to any household or classroom. The illustrations add to the overall quality of the book. All these things combined made the Amelia Bedelia series an instant classic.
References
Good Media Good Kids - Amelia Bedelia (2005, April 21). In University of Notre Dame - Center for Ethical Education. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://goodmedia.nd.edu/reviews/review.cfm?id=1552
Meet Amelia Bedelia. (2010). In Harper Collins Childrens. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/kids/gamesandcontests/features/amelia/
Samuels, C. (1985, March 10).
Children's Books. In New York Times. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/10/books/children-s-books-072965.html?scp=6&sq=amelia%20bedelia&st=cse
For More Info Please Visit
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/childrens-book/resource/6104.html
http://www.ehow.com/way_5534680_amelia-bedelia-lesson-plan.html
Julie Mattei
Literary Review
Magic Tree House Series
The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne follows a brother and sister duo as they go on many adventures and have to over come many obstacles. These books are great for early readers like 5-7 years old. The Magic House books are great because they are a great way to transition from picture books to chapter books. They are also very adventurous and exciting to read so they might be great for readers who may not always like to read. My brother is a perfect example of this. When he was younger he hated reading until he found the Magic Tree House books. The Magic Tree House series helped my brother become a reader. I am sure he is not the only one to have this experience also. These are fun, educational books that really "hook" many kids into reading (Christian Children’s Book Review). The Magic Tree House series is great for early readers and with such a vast number of titles there is sure to be an adventure or two every reader will find interesting (Book Dads).
The story follows eight-year-old Jack and his seven-year-old sister, Annie, from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. The series begins when Jack and Annie find a tree house in the woods. The tree house is filled with many different kinds books from all different places. They soon find out that the tree house was magic. All they had to do was point to a picture in a book and wish to be there. They would then be placed right were the picture was from. Through this they traveled to many different places and traveled through time.
While traveling to many different places Jack and Annie had to go over come many obstacles such as crossing the rapid cold river, canoe down the Nile River and swimming away from a big, hammerhead shark in the ocean. Sometimes Jack and Annie would be on an important mission of some sort in which they would have to retrieve objects from the place or solve some tricky riddles. During many of their journeys they learn a lot of interest and important facts about the places, people or animals that they encounter. No matter how crazy the adventure they go on, they still at the end of the day would go back home. All they have to do is find the book about Frog Creek, Pennsylvania and wish they were there. They arrive back home and no time at all has pasted since they left. Jack and Annie get to go on these amazing adventures then get to go home and have it be like they haven’t even left at all.
The Magic Tree House series are adventurous and exciting books that are full of action but they also contain many important facts and information that can be incorporated into the schools curriculum. The Magic Tree House series is a nice way to introduce kids to many topics ranging from Dinosaurs, Ancient Greece, Outer Space, Camelot, Japan, Volcanoes, Dolphins, etc (Creative Hemispheres). While on their adventure Jack and Annie must read from the book they are at in order to find out information on what they are encountering while there. While reading they find out many important facts that help them on their adventure. These facts are not only informational to Jack and Annie but also to the readers of the books.
There are many different lessons that can be incorporate with these books. The Magic Tree House Series has a website for teachers and parents where they can go and get lessons to go with the stories. There is also a book written with many activities that can go with this series. Not only are these books a great and interesting read but they also can be very easily useful inclassroom.
Though there are over 40 Magic Tree House books in the series, I am going to specifically talk about three of them. The three that I am going to talk about is Night of the Ninjas, Afternoon on the Amazon, and Dolphins at Daybreak. I am going to use specific examples from these books to show the series strengths and weaknesses and also how they might be incorporated into the classroom. First here is an overview on the three books that will be discussed.
Night of the Ninjas is the fifth book in the Magic Tree House series. In the books leading up to this one Jack and Annie find out that the tree house belongs to Morgan le Fay. Morgan was a magical librarian from the time of King Arthur. She travels through time and space collecting books for the tree house. In the beginning of this book Jack and Annie find out that Morgan is in trouble and they need to go and help here. She leaves a note and an open book to give them guidance in helping her. The book takes them to a land filled with ninjas and samurai. The book follows as Jack and Annie try to find clues to help them find Morgan while dealing with ninjas and samurai.
Afternoon on the Amazon is the sixth book in the Magic Tree House series. Afternoon on the Amazon is a continuation from Night of the Ninjas where Jack and Annie are trying to say Morgan Le Fay. They must continue their journey to find objects that will help save Morgan. In this book they venture to the Rainforest where they encounter many animals. They end up on the Nile River where they must face its
rapid current in order to get back to land. The book follows as Jack and Annie try to find clues to continue their journey to saving Morgan while facing the many dangerous animals in the Rainforest.
Dolphins at Daybreak is the ninth book in the Magic Treehouse series. The last couple books in the series dealt with trying to save Morgan Le Fay where they ended up sa
ving her. Now Jack and Annie are on a whole new mission. Morgan Le Fay needs someone to collect books but they must be a Master Librarian. They must solve four riddles in order for them to become a Master Librarian. This book follows as Jack and Annie try and solve for the riddle. The first riddle leads then to the oceans where they find a submarine. The must escape from deadly sea creatures in order to solve the riddle and be one step closer to becoming a Master Librarian.
The Magic Tree House series had a very effective literary element. Each book has a plot, theme, setting, and characters. The plots for
Night of the Ninjas and Afternoon on the Amazon are that Jack and Annie are doing everything they can in order to help Morgan. They are going to specific places and using clues in the book to get objects that will eventually help find Morgan. I think the theme of the story is very different for every book. Every book there is a specific task or reason why Jack and Annie are traveling to that certain place. So the theme is based why they are going to the place.
The setting is also very different for the Magic Tree House books. Every book Jack and Annie are traveling to a different place so every book they are dealing with a new setting. In Afternoon on the Amazon the setting is in the Rainforest while Dolphins at Daybreak the setting is in the ocean. Each Magic Tree house book has a different setting, which I think keeps the reader interested and experiencing new places.
Throughout the series we are also introduce to many characters based on where Jack and Annie travel too. Of course in every book the main characters are Jack and Annie but in every book Jack and Annie run into new characters. In Night of the Ninjas Jack and Annie run into two ninjas and meet the ninjas master. In Afternoon on the Amazon they run into many different animals that help/hinder them in there journey. There is a lot of character development throughout the stories. In the beginning of the book Jack is not as adventurous as Annie and a little more reserved. As the books carries on Jack comes more into his own and becomes a stronger character. This is especially shown in Afternoon on the Amazon. The role almost reverse as Annie is the scared and hesitant one while Jack takes more of the lead.
Imagination is a big part of the Magic Tree House series. The whole series is based on imagination and how far it can take you. The Magic Tree House series allows readers to let their imagination run wild while time virtually stops (Book Dads). Reader must use their imagination in order to follow Jack and Annie on their crazy adventures. Readers must imagine that they are with Jack and Annie while they experience all these different places and things. Using imagination can spark curiosity and the reader may want to find more about the place or topic that is being refer too.
The Magic Tree House contains the typical good vs. evil plot as well. The good vs. evil plot is really not emphasized but is experienced in the series. In Night of the Ninjas, the good characters are the ninjas who help Jack and Annie on their adventure while the samurai represent the evil while they try to stop them. In a lot of the books in the series there is that roadblock that Jack and Annie must face. In Dolphins at Daybreak, Jack and Annie must swim away from a hungry shark in order to make it back to land safely.
Although there are not many illustrations in the Magic Tree House series books, they still however play an important part to the story. They add to they story because it gives you a glance at the surroundings that Jack and Annie are experiencing. Jack and Annie travel to many different places so it helps the reader to have that idea of what the place that Jack and Annie are at so they can experience it too. The illustrations also show the roadblocks that Jack and Annie are experiencing. In Dolphin at Daybreak, there is an illustration of Jack and Annie in the submarine with the shark and octopus surround them. You get to experience how Jack and Annie must be feeling because you can see it on their faces. I think the illustrations play a major role in the story cause they give the reader a visual for their imagination.
As much as I love the Magic Tree House series there are some things that I question in the series. The series does not represent a very good multicultural aspect to it. The characters are the typical white boy and girl. Jack plays the stereotypical “geek” as he wears glasses and is constantly writing down facts and second-guessing his sister. Although Jack and Annie travel to many different places of the word and learn about those places I feel that the story still lacks the multicultural view because you really are not given a different perspective of other people views or cultures. The books are also not good for read aloud in the classroom. “The dialogue exchanges between the characters, do not lend themselves well to being read out loud (Creative Hemisphere).”
Although the series may lack the multicultural and read aloud aspect, the series is still a wonderful tool for learning. In every book there are facts about the place they are at. As they adventure in different places they are give random facts about the place to help them in their adventure. An example from Dolphin at Daybreak is “Scientists who study the ocean are called oceanographers. Sometimes they travel in small diving vessels called submersibles to study the ocean floor. ” I think this is a great aspect of the series. Not only are they reading but they are learning too. Some of these books would be a great to introduce certain topics to student. They are not only learning historical facts but also facts about nature. The books teach history and natural science in a fun way (Christian Children’s Book Reviews). The great thing about this also is that there are many teaching guides and worksheet available to go with the reading. The topics also range from a wide variety, which is good cause it keeps readers interested and not getting bored with the same old stuff. Learning about topics in these books may even push students to find more information about a certain topic and will expand their learning. These books offer more in depth, nonfiction coverage of the subjects to help students extend their knowledge on particular topics (Associated Content). The Magic Tree House books are great for learning not only in the classroom but outside as well.
The Magic Tree House series is just a great series of books for younger readers. Mary Pope Osborne does a great job at making these books perfect for developing readers as they transition from picture books to chapters. The books are shorter than normal chapter books, which help keeps students attention. “Books, at their best, invite children to use their imaginations, expand their vocabularies and gain a better understanding of themselves and others (Assessing Children’s Literature).” I feel like the Magic Tree House series does fulfill these aspects of what makes a good children’s book.
Helpful Resources for Teachers and Parents
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Flf5UXcgp-IC&oi=fnd&pg=PA4&dq=Children+Book+Reviews:+Magic+Tree+House&ots=pHnfdCCL8-&sig=txki-i6Ehceb_-orq8iY4HghWEg#v=onepage&q=Children%20Book%20Reviews%3A%20Magic%20Tree%20House&f=false
http://www.magictreehouse.com/teachersclub/resource_center/pdfs/0-the-facts-behind-the-fiction.pdf
http://www.magictreehouse.com/teachersclub/resource_center/pdfs/0-my-book-bag-report.pdf
Work Cited
“Assessing Children's Literature." ADL. N.p., 20 Oct. 2003. Web. 18 Feb. 2011.
“Book Review: Magic Tree House Series." Book Dads. N.p., 4 Nov. 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2011.
"Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series Review." Creative Hemispheres. N.p., 5 Dec. 2010. Web. 18 Feb. 2011.
"Magic Tree House Series." Christian Children's Book Reviews. N.p., 22 May 2010. Web. 18 Feb. 2011.
Tomlinson, Virginia. "Children's Book Reviews: Magic Tree House Series." Associative Content. Yahoo! Contributor Network, 5 Feb. 2007. Web. 20 Feb. 2011.
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Illustrated Children’s Books by Eric Carle
By Jennifer Birman
Eric Carle is the creator of some of the most loved children’s books. He has illustrated more than 70 books and more than 90 million copies of his books have been sold around the world. His most well known book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar which has sold over 30 million copies and has been translated into more than 45 languages.(The Official Eric Carle Website) Carle’s illustrations are easily recognizable; he uses a collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and lays to for bright and cheerful images. There is also an added dimension to his books such as twinkling lights in The Very Lonely Firefly and the sound of a cricket in The Very Quiet Cricket. His books often revolve around nature and there are often underlying themes. For example, in each story of the Very quartet there is an underlying theme of hope, work, love, and belonging. For this review I will be reviewing the Very quartet as well as the book The Grouchy Ladybug.
I will start with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Personally, this is one of my favorite books that I love to read even though I’m 20 years old. The story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar has many different themes. For instance it emphasizes numbers and days of the week while also teaching children the life cycle of a caterpillar. There is also an underlying theme of hope, your children like the little caterpillar will grow up unfold their wings and fly off into the future. The caterpillar comes out of his egg on Sunday and eats holes through the book’s pages as he eats the various foods. The caterpillar in this story has unusual tastes in food such as chocolate cake, a pickle, salami, watermelon etc which delights children. The caterpillar develops a stomach ache but feels better after eating a green leaf. He then builds a cocoon and stays in it for two weeks. He nibbles a hole in the cocoon and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. The artwork is Carle’s signature collage technique and the pages of the book vary in size which adds to the fun. Every page has a hole in it where the caterpillar eats through the food and the pages for the first five days are different sizes corresponding with the number of pieces of food the caterpillar eats. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has become a classic; it is a book that your children will love.
The next book in the Very quartet is The Very Busy Spider. This book emphasizes animals and their respective sounds. The underlying theme of The Very Busy Spider is work, it teaches children that we need to work and finish our tasks despite the many distractions. In the book the wind blows a spider to a fence post, where she begins to spin her web. Throughout the day, various farm animals stop to invite the spider to play with them but she is too busy to reply, she needs to finish her web or there will be no dinner. The spider finishes her web and catches the fly which you might think would cause a pause but it flows into the next animal easily. If you pay attention you will see the fly is on every page of the book from the beginning. The art work is Carle’s collage technique using vivid colors and varied textures. The child can see and feel the spider webs progress. The spider web is actually a raised line of thin plastic that can be felt when you trace it with a finger. This adds another dimension to the art work in the book. This book is an easy read that children can find joy in by making the sounds of the farm animals and tracing the progress of the spider web. The Very Busy Spider is a good book to use when you want to teach your children about hard work and completing a task.
The third book in the Very quartet is The Very Quiet Cricket. Similar to The Very Busy Spider the book emphasizes various insects and their respective sounds. The underlying theme of The Very Quiet Cricket is love; it teaches children that crickets and people alike search for and hope to find a suitable mate. This story begins with a little cricket hatching from an egg, over the course of the day many insects greet the newborn cricket. Yet, every time he tries to return their greeting, he is silent. At the end of the day he meets a female cricket, and at last he can speak. Each of the insects that visit the cricket uses a greeting that is characteristic of its kind, such as chirp, whizz, hum, and buzz. The art work is vivid and the impressions of flora and fauna convey energy and immediacy. There is a surprise at the end of the book were a microchip in the last page mimics the sound of a cricket’s chirp. This surprise can be a curse or a blessing depending on your viewpoint (child or parent/teacher).
The last book in the Very quartet is The Very Lonely Firefly. The underlying theme of this book is belonging; it teaches children that we all want to belong to a group, a family, and our own fellow creatures. One day a little firefly is born and he sets out on a journey to find others just like him. He uses his light to search around for other fireflies. Every time he sees a light, he investigates to see if it is another firefly. First he finds a light bulb, then a candle, then a flashlight and he keeps following these different light sources. On each page the firefly is following the lights but the story itself shows siblings hearing animals fighting outside their window and they investigate. The children end up in the family car and head off with their parents to a fireworks show. The firefly keeps following this family’s lights in the hopes of finding his own lights. In the dead of night, he finds his fireflies. The art work is the signature collage work vivid and textural. The background colors convey that it is night but the animals and family are lighter and the light sources are the lightest colors. The Very Lonely Firefly is a story that conveys how we all long to belong to a group, a family, and our own fellow creatures in an imaginative and beautiful way.
Another of Eric Carle’s books is The Grouchy Ladybug. This story has many themes in it. As a book about telling time, the Grouchy Ladybug shows a traditional clock on each page, showing the time of day using the second hand and hour hand. The sun is in a different position in each picture, so that readers can view the relative position of the sun during each time of day depicted. As a book about bullies, the Grouchy Ladybug’s title character is depicted as a miniature tyrant, whose actions appear more and more ridiculous as the animals the ladybug approaches become larger and larger. Since it is not the sole theme of the book it does not address how to deal with more dangerous or aggressive behavior. It would be a good touchstone for older children to discuss bullying. For younger children it shows that people who are mean and belligerent don’t get what they want. This book also shows size comparisons, showing animals getting larger, larger, and larger. There was a very grouchy ladybug, who, despite its role as one of the cutest insects in the animal kingdom, is quite a ridiculous bully. At 5:00 in the morning, the grouchy ladybug happens on a leaf loaded full of aphids, and decides to pick a fight with the friendly ladybug who is willing to share. "Want to fight?" the grouchy ladybug screams, to which the friendly ladybug says, "If you insist." The grouchy ladybug doesn't expect to have someone stand up to it, and it flies off to find someone bigger to antagonize. At 6:00 a.m., the ladybug encounters a yellow jacket, at 7:00 a.m. a stag beetle, and so on, with larger and larger animals each time. At 5:00 p.m., the grouchy ladybug meets a whale, and attempts to engage it in a fight. Getting no response, grouchy ladybug tries to pick on the whale's flippers, fin, and tail, until at 5:45 the grouchy ladybug is slapped all the way back to land. Tired and hungry, the grouchy ladybug flies home to the aphid-covered leaf, where the friendly ladybug kindly offers the rest of the aphids for dinner. The artwork is Carle’s signature design using vivid colors but they do not overwhelm the page. This book would be great to use when teaching children about time or to use as a point of discussion about bullying.
With his distinctive illustrations and creative stories Eric Carle has created many wonderful books. These books often revolve around nature and have underlying themes that teach children about the world around them. The themes are often subtle but are heartwarming none the less. I would suggest these books to any parent, teacher, or anyone who wants to read a good book.
Resources
Eric Carle home page: http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html
For more about Eric Carle and lesson plans visit Scholastic.com: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3234
For more reviews on other children’s books visit The Reading Tub: http://www.thereadingtub.com/
Sources:
Kennedy, Elizabeth. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - Eric Carle Author and Illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Picture Book." Children's Books - Reviews Articles Lists of Best Children's Books. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://childrensbooks.about.com/cs/productreviews/fr/caterpillar.htm>.
"The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle Children's Book Review and Preschool Lesson Plan." HubPages. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://hubpages.com/hub/Grouchy-Ladybug>.
The Official Eric Carle Web Site. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html>.
Melissa Bergman
Book Review
ENG 302
Professor Masko
February 24, 2011
Skippyjon Jones
Judy Schachner is the author of the top selling bilingual book series Skippyjon Jones. The first book of the series, Skippyjon Jones was published in 2003 and the last book of the series, Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice was published in 2009. As of February 2011 the Skippyjon Jones series has been awarded the E.B White Read Aloud Award in 2004 by the Association of Book Sellers for Children. It was also awarded for State Reading awards in Washington and New Hampshire. Skippyjon Jones is an engaging read aloud book series with artistic illustrations but presents some issues in the content across the series.
Skippyjon Jones is an imaginative, Siamese cat with an identity crisis in which he believes that he is a Chihuahua. In every Skippyjon Jones book of the series Skippyjon embarks on an adventure that begins with him jumping on his “big boy bed”, taking flight past his mirror where he recognizes his resemblance to a Chihuahua, not a Siamese cat. Followed by this repeated discovery he then continues his adventure into his closet where he meets up with his friends, Chimichangos. Each adventure peaks with Skippyjon getting into sticky situations in wide range of settings, from Egypt to Mexico. This variety of settings is a quality of children’s literature according to article titled, “Assessing Children’s Literature.”
Momma Junebug Jones, the mother of Skippyjon Jones is a strong woman with the concern for her son’s confusion with his identity. Momma Junebug Jones is very concerned for her son and far from excepting of the fascination Skippyjon has with pretending he is a dog. She is very clear with Skippyjon that he needs some time to think about being a cat rather than a dog.
The Chimichangos, who were mentioned earlier as the friends of Skippyjon, are your stereotypical Spanish speaking Chihuahuas. They tend to think and eat a lot of ethnic food from Mexico and even followed it with a siesta which is Spanish for nap, in Skippyjon Jones. The name Chimichangos, is a close resemblance to the word chimichanga, which is a deep fried burrito. This name resemblance could possibly lead to Latino readers and listeners not feeling comfortable or feeling offended. These feeling could be apparent because of a sense of mockery towards their culture.
Schachner writes the Skippyjon Jones series using both English and Spanish. The majority of the words in the book are however written in English. There are also some words that are used that are English but spelled incorrectly in order to key the reader to the pronunciation of the Spanish accent. This again could lead to Latinos feeling offended or uncomfortable during the reading of any of the books from the series, as this pronunciation that is recommended is stereotypic. In Lost in Spice Schachner uses the craft of including the Spanish word and then following the word up with the English word to clarify the meaning for the readers. She also repeats many of the Spanish vocabulary across the series with words such as muy, ojo and sí. While at times this technique could be helpful to readers who are not bilingual, it is many times than not helpful and the word choice could lead to the meaning being lost in the text. “While in English the diminutive is a preamble (little dog, little house), in Spanish the diminutive is a caboose attached to the end of nouns (perrito, casita), and Schachner takes full advantage of this with high-energy rhymes, Spanish or invented” (Griswold). This technique in which Schachner plays with the words creates words and phrases that may be hard to pronounce or read even for the most experienced reader. Take the statement from the Chimichangos in Skippyjon Jones and the BIG BONES, “We are toasting los marshmallocitos prehistóricos.” This statement is hard to pronounce for a person who is not bilingual, and do it justice. The play on Spanish vocabulary again gives a sense of mockery and disrespect towards Latinos and their culture.
Throughout the series Schachner uses rhyming as a technique in her writing. Along with the rhymes Schachner adds clapping to enhance the enjoyment when read aloud.
Also, many phrases become repeated throughout the series such as, “Oh, I am Skippyjon Jones,” “My name is Skippito Friskito” and some slight rendition of “Your ears are too big for you head, your head is too big for your body, you are not a Siamese Cat.” This predictability enhanced the read aloud experience for young readers. This allows for a positive experience that gives children who are just learning to read a chance to get involved in literacy.
Schachner was not only responsible for the writing of the book but also the illustrations. The series’ illustrations are full of vibrant colors that span across the rainbow. The lines in the illustrations of the series are mixtures of both vertical and curved lines. The mixture draws the reader’s eyes into the exciting action of the illustrations that add to the action of the story. The vertical lines then add to the description of the settings. For example, in Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble, an illustration is created for the arrival of Skippyjon and his friends to Egypt. The illustration depicts a sphinx. The combination of vertical, horizontal and curved lines create a accurate depiction of an ancient sphinx. The illustrations incorporate the use of both bold and wispy brush strokes. The wispy brush strokes are often used by Schachner to show the motion in the story. This type of art is shown in the books, particularly in the images showing Skippyjon jumping on his “big boy bed.” The illustrations include shadows and objects that appear in the background of the pictures. The composition of the illustrations uses shadows to add to setting of story. This type of technique in the illustrations is very well done in the picture showing Mexico’s desert and a fiesta held outside, in Skippyjon Jones. The pictures show both the up close action and the setting in the background with the shadows created by the sunset. In every book of the series Schachner uses a photograph of a Chihuahua, which is placed in the mirror image of Skippyjon Jones, which is different from every other medium used in series. This technique sets the image apart from the others to point out the importance of this in the plot. The illustrations give readers and listeners a clear, vivid image of the words in the stories and very well done by Schachner.
Young readers can easily connect to the childish behaviors of Skippyjon Jones. An individual with a vivid imagination that can turn anything into what it was really created for. Take for example the snow suet that is transformed into a space suit and the spice that was made in dust from Mars in Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice. The texts to self connections made are great for children but could also be problematic. Just as mentioned earlier the text could cause students of Latino culture to feel mocked or disrespected by the stereotypic pronunciation and word choice. For children who are not Latino these stereotypes presented may only solidify what they are being taught at home and through other interactions in society.
My overall opinion of the book series, Skippyjon Jones is that the series should be used with caution. The series does not provide a stereotype free representation of the Latino culture. Niki Schoenfeldt, agrees by saying, the poor attempt at a Mexican accent, changing from prose to verse and back again is confusing, not to mention a bit insulting to the Mexican culture” (Schoenfeldt, 2009). This fact presents an issue because a characteristic that is provided by “Assessing Children’s Literature” is stories need to promote an understanding of our diverse society. The Skippyjon Jones series lacks this by providing stereotypical dialect and habits as well as changing and using the Spanish words out of context. Such as in Skippyjon Jones “Schachner’s “Ay caramba” became “I caramba” and “Hai caramba” (Griswold, 2008). The series does no justice in improving the misconceptions and stereotypic believes held by others who are not Latino. Through the use of the vocabulary it also presents opportunities for children to lack understanding because the vocabulary used is not simple. This issue could arise with any reader who is not bilingual. The use of simple vocabulary is a trait of “good book” (Jacobs, Tunnell, 1996). Dispite the hiccups with some of the writing the illustrations are very well done. The illustrations aspect is well summed up by Jerry Griswold. Griswold said “the playfulness of Schachner’s stories is echoed in her artistic style — dynamic and comic sketches, a wide palette of lively colors in acrylic and pen and ink, and an alphabetical mélange of handwritten and printed letters (the new book, like several of the others, also comes with a CD of Schachner reading the stories).” If you are looking for a good read to get student engage in literacy and take some time to read the series or listen to the books on CD. Do so with some caution by pointing out to children that not all Latinos are as presented by the Skippyjon Jones series. The illustrations will not disappoint.
Resources:
Assessing Children’s Literature (2003, October 20). In Anti-Defamation League. Retrieved February 24, 2011
Griswold, J. (2008, May 11). I, Chihuahua. The New York Times
Jacobs, J. S., & Tunnell, M. O. (1996). Children's Literature Briefly. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Schoenfeldt, N. (2009). Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner. In Curled up with a good kids book . Retrieved February 24, 2011
Resources for further use:
http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/review/skippyjon-jones-lost-spice
(Provides a description of Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice)
http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2009/08/webisodes-for-judy-schachner%E2%80%99s-skippyjon-jones-series.html
(This has mini episodes for Skippyjon Jones, Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House, Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble and Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice)
http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2009/08/webisodes-for-judy-schachner%E2%80%99s-skippyjon-jones-series.html
(This is the official website for the series. The site includes information for teachers, downloads, videos and games)